What to Do in Rabat: Kasbah of the Oudayas, Hassan Tower, Museums 2026

Rabat, the political capital and UNESCO World Heritage site since 2012, can be discovered over 1 to 2 days. A cultured, clean and soothing city, it offers a restful contrast after the buzz of Marrakech or Fes: historic monuments, gardens, modern museums and a seafront.

In Rabat: explore the Kasbah of the Oudayas (blue-and-white alleys, Andalusian gardens), the Hassan Tower and the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, the Roman and Marinid site of Chellah, the medina, the Mohammed VI Museum of Modern Art, and the corniche. A day trip is possible to Salé, right across the Bouregreg.

1. The must-sees

Kasbah of the Oudayas

A 12th-century Almohad fortress overlooking the Bouregreg mouth. You enter through the monumental Bab Oudaia gate, then wander blue-and-white painted alleys (reminiscent of Chefchaouen). The peaceful Andalusian garden, the Moorish café with a view of the sea and Salé, and the panoramic platform make it a must.

Plan: 1h30-2h with a tea at the Moorish café. Free access.

Hassan Tower and Mausoleum of Mohammed V

The Hassan Tower is an unfinished 12th-century minaret (44 m of the 86 planned), surrounded by 200 columns, vestiges of a mosque that was never completed. Beside it, the Mausoleum of Mohammed V houses the royal tombs in sumptuous white marble architecture (free visit, guards in ceremonial dress).

Chellah

An exceptional site combining Roman ruins (ancient Sala Colonia) and a medieval Marinid necropolis, in a setting of lush gardens where storks nest. Magical in late afternoon. One of Rabat's most romantic spots.

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2. The medina and historic center

Rabat medina

Smaller and more accessible than those of Fes or Marrakech, Rabat's medina is easy to explore. Consul Street (crafts, rugs), souks, and access to the Kasbah of the Oudayas. An authentic atmosphere without the tourist pressure of the great medinas.

Mellah

The old Jewish quarter, a witness to the capital's Jewish-Moroccan history.

Bab Rouah

A monumental Almohad gate, today an art gallery.

3. Museums and modern culture

Mohammed VI Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art

Morocco's main modern art museum, opened in 2014. Moroccan and international art collections, quality temporary exhibitions. Notable contemporary architecture.

Mohammed V National Theater

A major cultural venue, varied program (concerts, theater, dance).

National Library

Notable contemporary architecture, a witness to modern, cultured Rabat.

4. Salé and seafront

Salé

Across the Bouregreg (reachable by tram or traditional boat), Salé has its own medina, the Marinid madrasa of Salé (magnificently decorated) and a more local, authentic atmosphere.

Corniche and beaches

Rabat's corniche has urban beaches and Atlantic-side walks. The Oudayas Surf Club area draws surfers.

Bouknadel Exotic Gardens

13 km north, lush themed gardens (to combine with a nature outing).

Which program for your profile?

How much time to plan?

1 day: Oudayas + Hassan Tower/mausoleum + medina (the essentials).
2 days: add Chellah, the Mohammed VI Museum and Salé.

Indicative daily budget

Kasbah of the Oudayas: free (Moorish café tea ~15 MAD)
Mausoleum of Mohammed V: free
Chellah: ~70 MAD
Mohammed VI Museum: ~40 MAD
Restaurants: €8 (street food) to €40 (restaurants)
Transport (tram + taxis): €5-15/day

Average activities budget: €25-60/day/person — Rabat is affordable.

Practical tips

Dress: modest in the medina and at the mausoleum (a sacred place), relaxed elsewhere (a modern capital).
Tram: the easiest way to link the sites and Salé.
Chellah: go in late afternoon for the light and the storks.
Oudayas Moorish café: a must tea break with a Bouregreg view.

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Mistakes to avoid

FAQ — What to do in Rabat

Is Rabat worth a visit?

Yes for 1-2 days: Kasbah of the Oudayas, Hassan Tower, Mausoleum of Mohammed V, Chellah. A peaceful UNESCO-listed capital. More heritage-rich than spectacular.

What are Rabat's main sites?

Kasbah of the Oudayas, Hassan Tower + Mausoleum of Mohammed V, Chellah, the medina, the Mohammed VI Museum of Modern Art.

Rabat or Casablanca?

Rabat for culture and heritage (UNESCO), more pleasant for tourists. Casablanca for modernity, business and nightlife. The two are 50 min apart by train.

How long for the Kasbah of the Oudayas?

1h30-2h for the full visit with a tea at the famous Moorish café overlooking the Bouregreg.

Is Chellah interesting?

Very. A rare combination of Roman ruins, a Marinid Islamic necropolis and lush gardens with storks. Go in late afternoon.

How do you get between Rabat's sites?

The modern tram efficiently connects the main districts and Salé. Blue petit taxis for one-off rides. The medina and Hassan quarter are walkable.

In summary

Rabat is a calm, refined capital, often underestimated. To combine with Casablanca (50 min by train) or as a stop on a northern itinerary (Tangier-Chefchaouen-Fes-Rabat). 1-2 nights are enough to appreciate its UNESCO monuments and its peaceful atmosphere.

My 3 key tips:

Have a tea at the Moorish café of the Kasbah of the Oudayas with a Bouregreg view.
Visit Chellah in late afternoon for the light and the storks.
Cross to Salé for the Marinid madrasa and a more local atmosphere.

What to Do in Rabat: Kasbah, Hassan Tower and Museums